A woman from Dunamanagh in County Tyrone who is living with terminal cancer has described how day therapy at Foyle Hospice has improved her quality of life.

Julie Maple underwent a hysterectomy eight years ago for what doctors initially believed were non-cancerous tumours. The tumours were later found to be cancerous, and the disease eventually spread to her omentum. She was told there was no cure.

Maple was referred to Foyle Hospice by her healthcare team. She said she initially felt fear about the referral because she associated hospice care with end-of-life. She had a panic attack on her first day at day therapy, thinking it was the beginning of the end.

However, she found the atmosphere at day therapy to be positive rather than bleak. People from different backgrounds chat, laugh and support each other. She said the experience was nothing like she had imagined.

Day therapy at Foyle Hospice provides specialist care for people with cancer and life-limiting illnesses. It includes clinical support, complementary therapies, wellbeing activities, social interaction and emotional support. The aim is to help patients maintain independence, confidence and quality of life.

Maple said that before starting day therapy, she could not step outside her front door on her own and relied on her children to drive her everywhere. Since attending, she drives herself to the sessions each week and participates in activities such as reflexology and Indian head massages.

She said losing her routine after leaving full-time employment was a shock, but attending day therapy has given her a reason to get up in the morning. She added that the service has helped her live well rather than simply exist.

Maple said she wished she had known what day therapy was really like before attending. She added that Foyle Hospice is not about end-of-life, but about helping people live as well as possible.